Proposal to Use "Unexpected Tax Revenue" to Help Low-Income Delaware Students Draws Praise, Raises Budget Concerns

DOVER, Del. --- Delaware Attorney General Matt Denn and a coalition of nonprofits and other groups on Tuesday called on state lawmakers to use tens of millions of dollars in "unexpected tax revenue" to assist low-income students around the state, though the proposal drew some criticism from legislators who pointed to purported issues with the state's budget process.

"There will be a temptation to use all of these funds to balance next year’s budget. We encourage the state to do something else: to place these funds in a trust to be spent over a four-year period to enhance the support that the state provides to children who desperately need the help," the group wrote.

But some state lawmakers said on Tuesday they weren't ready to support the initiative because it's unclear how the state's finances will appear in 2018.

Rep. Jeff Spiegelman (R-Clayton) said the idea that Delaware collected roughly $55 million shows how Delaware's budget process and revenue projections are flawed, especially in light of the budget crisis over the summer that saw lawmakers miss their deadline to pass a spending plan.

"That's the thing that drives people crazy," said Rep. Jeff Spiegelman (R-Clayton. "We couldn't even pay our bills on time last year and now all of a sudden we found money and now we're talking about new programs."

Jon Starkey, a spokesman for Gov. John Carney, said in a statement that he appreciated the proposal and agreed with the need to invest in Delaware schools.

"The Attorney General’s proposal is in line with the Governor’s priorities. Governor Carney will remain committed to those priorities as he considers a broad range of budget proposals, and presents a balanced budget plan to the General Assembly late next month," he said.

DOVER, Del. --- Homeless shelters across Delaware and in Kent County were crowded on Monday with many people seeking to get out of the cold weather and find a warm meal to eat. Edward Johnson, who said he is homeless in the Dover area, said the wind chillMore

DOVER, Del. --- Homeless shelters across Delaware and in Kent County were crowded on Monday with many people seeking to get out of the cold weather and find a warm meal to eat. Edward Johnson, who said he is homeless in the Dover area, said the wind chillMore